He, however, did not know me, and I doubt if he could have
been convinced of my identity as the wretch who plied the broom in
the halls of the prison. To him, as he glanced at me, I was only a
well-dressed gentleman whom the proprietor was courteously showing
through the establishment in the hope of securing a good customer.
It was this little circumstance, I think-my chance meeting with my
old fellow-prisoner, and my changed circumstances and appearance
which put me beyond recognition by him-that prompted me to the
somewhat brazen business that followed:
"I only came in to look to-day," I said to the carpet-dealer; "for
the precise sum of money in my pocket at present is eighteen pence,
and no more; but if you will cut me off forty yards of that piece of
carpeting, and trust me for it, I will pay your bill in a few days,
as sure as I live."
My frank statement with regard to my finances seemed to attract the
attention of the merchant who laughed and said:
"Well, who are you, anyhow? Where do you live?"
I told him that I was Doctor Blank; that I lived in Rensselaer
county on a small place of my own; I raised fruit and vegetables for
market; I cured cancers, dropsy, and other diseases when I could;
sold medicines readily almost where I would; and was in Albany once
or twice a week.
"Measure and cut off the carpet," said he to the clerk who was
following us, "and put it in the Doctor's wagon"
The bill was about a hundred dollars, and I drove home with the
carpet.
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